Internship at the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering sustainable development through trade and economic policies. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing nations in achieving their development goals through research, policy analysis, and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNCTAD is designed to provide students or recent graduates with practical experience in the field of trade facilitation, customs, and supply chain management. Interns will work within the Division of Technology and Logistics (DTL) and will be involved in various research and technical assistance activities aimed at enhancing trade facilitation processes. The internship is full-time, requiring interns to commit to a 40-hour work week, and can be conducted either in-person in Geneva or remotely. Interns will receive training and mentoring from experienced supervisors and colleagues, which will help them develop their skills and knowledge in the area of international trade and development. The internship is expected to start in March 2026 for an initial duration of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months, depending on the needs of the organization and the performance of the intern.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the guidance of their supervisors, including: participation in online meetings, conducting economic and statistical research on trade facilitation and customs, assisting in the preparation of training materials for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs), creating promotional materials for the UNCTAD Empowerment programme, organizing workshops, drafting reports and documents, and providing support for other activities within the section. Interns will also need to ensure they have the necessary technical setup to work remotely, including a computer with the latest software and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures. Additionally, interns are expected to adhere to UN regulations and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the internship. They should either be enrolled in or have completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or be in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level). Interns should possess strong computer skills, a keen interest in the work of the United Nations, and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While no prior work experience is required, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the internship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program, or enrolled in or have completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or completion must be provided with the application. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to international trade, economics, or a similar discipline that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
No prior professional work experience is required for this internship. However, candidates should have relevant academic training or coursework that can contribute to the work of UNCTAD during their internship. The focus is on providing students or recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for the internship. Knowledge of French, which is another working language of the United Nations, is advantageous. Familiarity with additional UN official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is also considered a plus, as it may enhance communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and all costs related to travel, accommodation, medical insurance, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern. Interns must ensure they have the appropriate visa and work authorization if they are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that there is no expectation of employment following the internship. Interns are also required to respect the confidentiality of information and maintain the integrity of the UN's mission.